I started wren bird arts as a jewelry business in 2004, and sold to local boutiques here in Denver. When I moved to Chicago in 2007, I continued to sell jewelry to small boutiques around Chicago. Then, I took a hiatus when I started sewing in 2010. Upon coming back to denver in 2011, I was having a really hard time finding work in grantwriting, and decided to get back into crafting, and then really started to focus on my etsy shop. It was pretty slow until I started embroidering, which I hadn’t done since I was probably 7 years old. From there, the more I added, the busier my shop became, and I really turned wren bird arts into a niche embroidery business, supplemented with some bags, wallets, and a few crocheted pieces here and there. Once I started getting more involved in the craft markets around Denver, it has only grown. Most of my business is wedding embroidery, and my face towels and nose hankys. I am always trying out new ideas, and have a large custom order clientele for custom hankies.
In my opinion, I think you just have to go with the flow. Sometimes ideas catch on, sometimes they don’t, and you have to look to fleeting thoughts of inspiration to try something different. I am still learning the ins and outs as I go.
It will be slow, but keep at it, and if there is a need for a unique product that you provide, business will pick up.
Gosh, I don’t know. I am inspired by the individuals who have brought together artists through craft markets, and bringing the public out to look at the wonderful work that Denver artists are doing all of the time.
I participated in 2 Horseshoe Markets in 2012, and the summer Horseshoe, though very hot, was very successful, and had such great feedback from shoppers and other artisans alike.